What Precautions Should a Mixed-Status Couple Take? My boyfriend told me he's HIV positive. We've known each other for almost 3 years but haven't had any sexual contact. I've accepted his status and my feelings for him haven't changed, but he's quite concerned about my health. I've read all I can find about the risks of transmission, but need to hear a clear answer straight from a doctor: Will condoms, when used correctly, prevent HIV? Also, should we take precautions during oral sex?

When Your HIV-Negative Partner Loses Interest in Sex I like anal sex, but since I found out I was HIV positive, my HIV-negative boyfriend hasn't been into it. I love him and I know he loves me, but I need more out of the bedroom, and am starting to feel like I want to look elsewhere for sex, even though I know that is wrong. What should I do?

Top First-Line Treatment Options I'm from the United Kingdom and I need to start treatment. My CD4 count is below 200. What combination of meds would you recommend? Combivir (AZT/3TC) and efavirenz (Sustiva, Stocrin)? Efavirenz and Truvada (tenofovir/FTC)? Two NRTIs with a protease inhibitor (such as Kaletra [lopinavir/ritonavir])? Or something else entirely?

This chat is sponsored by Trimeris and Roche, the makers of Fuzeon (enfuvirtide, T-20).

•QUESTIONS ABOUT T-20 (ENFUVIRTIDE, FUZEON)

When ADAP and Medicaid Fall Through, How Can You Get T-20? West Virginia's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) doesn't cover T-20; I was able to get it for 6 months through Medicaid, but my supply has run out. How can I get emergency access to more T-20? If I have to go a week or longer without it, am I going to develop resistance?

Finding Injection Sites After Developing Scar Tissue
I've been on T-20 since November 2003, and am having trouble finding a good injection site. I'm a diabetic, so I have to inject insulin twice a day as well as the T-20. I've developed scar tissue on my abdomen from all the injection site reactions, but because I have a problem with wasting, it's pretty much the only place I can inject. What can I do?

T-20 and Travel: Tips for Avoiding Airport ProblemsI'm having no trouble adjusting to my T-20 dosing routine, but I frequently travel overseas. Have you heard anything from other international travelers about difficulties they may have had in getting through customs with all those needles -- especially in the developing world? Do you have any tips for ensuring I don't run into problems?

Will Sculptra Injections Worsen Sinus Infections?I've been given the chance to join a clinical trial for poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, New-Fill), which I would normally leap at. But I also have a problem with severe, recurring sinus infections. If poly-L-lactic acid is injected into the face close to my sinuses, could it worsen these bouts of sinusitis?

Muscle Spasms After Starting HAARTI've noticed a growing problem with muscle spasms and twitching: mostly around my lips and eyes, but also in my arms and legs. They are tiny, but annoying. Two months ago, I started my first HAART regimen, a combo of efavirenz (Sustiva, Stocrin), 3TC (lamivudine, Epivir) and tenofovir (Viread). Could the twitching be a reaction to my meds?

Are These HIV-Related Problems or Thyroid Problems?I can't remember the last time I got 8 hours of sleep. My skin looks like scales, my extremities get cold very easily and the fat seems to have vanished from much of my body. I exercise and eat right, but nothing changes. My last CD4 count was 1,654 and my viral load was undetectable, so I'm not on any meds. My doctor says I may have a mild thyroid problem; do you agree?

Post-Diagnosis Questions From Thailand
My girlfriend and I were recently diagnosed; we live in Thailand. We have one of the country's leading HIV experts looking after us, but could you answer some questions I have about our lifespan, when to start treatment, etc.?

Potential Dangers of High Vitamin C DosesIs it safe to take a 1,000-mg vitamin C supplement 3 times a day along with my HAART meds? I've read that vitamin C can help boost a person's CD4 count and reduce side effects.

Can L-Carnitine Supplements Treat Lipodystrophy?I've been HIV positive for 16 years and have been on all the cocktails. Six weeks ago I awoke to find that the trunk of my body could rival a giant Sequoia. My pant size went from 34" to 38". I had no waist and had to wear suspenders since my belt didn't fit anymore. My neurologist wrote me a prescription, but the drug was too expensive, so we settled on a supplement called L-carnitine. I've been taking 1,500 mg per day of it for a month; I'm back in size 34" pants and have an actual waist. Is my story typical for L-carnitine, or is it a fluke?